Best overall		Sega Toys Homestar Flux		SEE IT
Best budget		BlissLights Sky Lite – LED Laser Star Projector		SEE IT
Best for kids		Fortally Nebula Star Projector 360 Degree		SEE IT

Galaxy projectors mimic the serene experience of staring at the night sky on a clear, crisp night. But because many of us live in urban environments with light pollution from city lights, we can’t always get that real world night sky view. Enter: galaxy projectors!

Galaxy projectors are soothing devices that project gorgeous color combinations and patterns to help with anxious sleepers, kids, or anyone who just loves looking at the night sky. Some devices feature smart app controls, others offer more simple and straightforward controls, but all the items on our list create a dreamy atmosphere that’s sure to mesmerize you. Some venture well outside efforts to recreate actual stars and simply project coo light patterns around the room.

As with just about anything that throws light, these can also be cool creative tools for photographers looking to create weird and interesting effects in their photographs

To give you an amazing night sky experience in the comfort of your own home, we rounded up the best galaxy projectors on the market. 

• Best overall: Sega Toys Homestar Flux
• Best budget: BlissLights Sky Lite – LED Laser Star Projector
• Best for kids: Fortally Nebula Star Projector 360 Degree Rotation
• Best night light: Rossetta Galaxy Projector for Bedroom
• Best smart: Kapebow Star Projector

How we chose the best galaxy projectors

We chose these galaxy projectors based on a few key factors. First, we wanted to make sure they were simple to use and accessible to anyone so you wouldn’t have to be bothered with any overly elaborate set-ups. It’s supposed to be a relaxing experience, after all.

We also made sure each model was affordable. With so many good options on the market, there’s no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on a galaxy projector that can produce the same effects of a cheaper model.

We looked at reviews and customer experience; did the device break down after a few months? Were the stars realistic? How bright could it get? How much surface area did it cover? 

Finally, we wanted to give a couple options with smart technology, so you could choose a device with app and voice controls for an even more convenient experience. 

The best galaxy projectors: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Sega Toys Homestar Flux

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Designed by a prize-winning specialist for professional planetariums, this projector features high-res renditions of 60,000 stars, high-quality lenses, 360-degree rotation, and two projection discs.

Specs:

• Power source: USB cord that allows for plug or battery pack
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: 1.36 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 × 6.3  × 5.9  inches

Pros:

• Advanced optics
• Powerful 5-watt LED lighting
• 360° rotating dynamic projection
• Highly rated and reviewed

Cons:

• Expensive

This LED galaxy projector helps bring the planetarium experience into your home. Sega Toys’ Homestar series is designed by prize-winning Japanese inventor and professional planetarium specialist Takayuki Ohira. The Homestar Flux provides accurate high-res images of 60,000 stars. It’s also designed with advanced optical lenses and warm LED lights that provide sharp and vivid imagery.

The projector comes with 360-degree rotation and a smooth focus dial that allow you to project onto the ceiling, walls, or other flat surfaces from 3.9 feet to 9.5 feet away, and you can set a timer for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. The set is equipped with two projection discs of the northern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere with constellation lines (more are available separately from Sega) and also comes with a shooting star function. The included USB cable plugs into the wall or a power bank and the device also comes with a two-year warranty.

Best budget: BlissLights Sky Lite – LED Laser Star Projector

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This budget LED star projector comes with direct diode Laser, precision glass optics, and holographic technologies for a magical blue atmosphere that also budget-friendly.

Specs:

• Power source: Plug
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 2.91 x 5.95 x 5.95 inches

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Simple button controls for easy switching
• Sleek, compact design
• Sharp detail

Cons:

• Button placement can be annoying
• Stars are green, not ideal for some

This LED galaxy projector comes with moving stars in a nebula cloud, multiple effects, and a simple button control that’s straightforward and un-fussy.

Reviewers love that it’s small and compact, making it great for apartment dwellers or smaller bedrooms. It features direct diode laser, precision glass optics, and holographic technology that creates a gorgeous ambience. 

Note that the stars are green or blue, which might not be ideal for some who would prefer white. But for the price point of under $50, you simply cannot beat this deal. 

Best for kids: Fortally Nebula Star Projector 360 Degree Rotation

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This night light and starry galaxy projector combo is the perfect inexpensive option for kids and anxious sleepers to dream under 9 different color modes with minimal noise.

Specs:

• Power source: AA batteries or USB
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: 0.6 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.7 x 5.3 inches

Pros:

• Very budget-friendly
• Rotates
• Comes in several colors; great for kids
• Two power modes
• 9 color modes with a moon

Cons:

• Button push sound is loud

This super-inexpensive nebula galaxy projector clocks in at under $20 but creates a high quality and gorgeous starry ceiling that doesn’t feel cheap. This star projector doubles as a night light for anxious sleepers or kids who want the safety and security of a subtle glow.

It comes in several colors with 9 color modes, a crescent moon display, and two power modes (either 4 x AAA Batteries or USB cable connect). It also has an option to rotate to create compelling motion. While we don’t love the battery consumption, it is nice that this is easily portable if you’re trying to keep a consistent bedtime routine with a little one during travel.

Tip: The higher you place the galaxy star projector, the brighter the colors on the ceiling. You can place it on a top shelf or bookcase to create the most impactful effect. 

Best night light: Rossetta Galaxy Projector for Bedroom

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With 14 adjustable lighting effects, 19 white noise machine sounds, and Bluetooth connectivity, this night light galaxy projector creates soothing and mesmerizing sleep atmospheres perfect for anxious sleepers. 

Specs:

• Power source: Plug
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: 1.04 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.3 x 6.3 inches

Pros:

• 4-in-1 star projector with night light
• White noise machine with 19 soothing sounds
• Bluetooth & voice projector 
• Fair pricing
• Remote control & auto-off timer

Cons:

• Bluetooth speaker/sound could be sharper

Kid-friendly and soothing, the night light projector by Rossetta works great for those who want a little light while they sleep. With 14 adjustable lighting effects, from shining stars to nebula clouds, you or your child can make a darkened bedroom feel like a safe place to sleep and dream for anxious sleepers!

To make it even more relaxing for kids or adults, this night light galaxy projector comes with 19 different white noise machine sound modes.

This galaxy night light is also a smart, 4-in-1 device with Bluetooth connectivity and a remote control that allows you to switch through a projection mode, brightness, speed, music selection, volume and an auto-off timer. It’s also shaped like an egg, which is fun and silly for kids.

Best smart: Kapebow Star Projector

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With 10 light displays to choose from, smart app control, voice control with Alexa and Google, and other smart features, this star projector has a lot to offer. 

Specs:

• Power source: Plug
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: ‎1.3 pounds
• Product Dimensions: ‎6.5 x 6.5 x 5 inches

Pros:

• Comes with two speakers
• Easy mode switching
• Smart App control
• Voice control with Alexa/Google

Cons:

• Pricey
• Assembly could be easier
• Projection coverage could be wider

Create immersive experiences with this Alexa- and Google-Assistant enabled smart galaxy room projector. With easy scheduling timers, you can rest easy knowing your device will turn off automatically, or you can use the remote control. This option allows for ten different light displays and comes with two speakers built in that can connect via USB or Bluetooth. This galaxy projector is great for kids’ rooms and parties.

Things to consider when shopping for the best galaxy projectors

Power Source

Some galaxy projectors use batteries, while others require a plug. Both versions have their advantages, but it just depends on what you’re looking for or what’s available to you. We obviously recommend avoiding disposable batteries whenever possible.

Settings and special features

If you’re looking for special features like rotation capabilities, remote control, specific color combinations, smart app controls, or other features, be sure to consider this when shopping for your galaxy room projector.

Colors

Some galaxy projectors offer green stars, some blue, some have millions of color combinations, and some have fewer. Always read the description to find out which colors are available!

Ease of use

Your galaxy projector should be simple and easy to use. Button controls are going to be your simplest option, but all of them should be ready to use and shouldn’t require heavy lifting for setup.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best galaxy projectors

• Best overall: Sega Toys Homestar Flux
• Best budget: BlissLights Sky Lite – LED Laser Star Projector
• Best for kids: Fortally Nebula Star Projector 360 Degree Rotation
• Best night light: Rossetta Galaxy Projector for Bedroom
• Best smart: Kapebow Star Projector

Help anxious sleepers drift to peaceful sleep, create mesmerizing starry skies on your ceiling, and more with these hand selected star projectors. Whether you want something inexpensive and simple or a more high tech device, these star projectors are sure to keep your bedrooms and living rooms looking far out (see what we did there?).

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best galaxy projectors for 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera		SEE IT	A good camera drone with plenty of features.
Best for beginners		Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners		SEE IT	Fully programmable while still being straightforward to fly.
Best for video		CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone		SEE IT	Two camera angles for unique perspectives and quality video recording.

Drones aren’t just for the military or incredible wildlife documentarians anymore. In the past decade, drones have become widely accessible and have mostly taken the place of toy airplanes or toy helicopters. Today, drones have become a favorite among photographers, videographers, kids, and anyone who just wants to fly a cool toy. They’re fun, sleek, and stimulating. Drones can be pretty expensive. While there are extreme cases of $300,000 drones (good lord), most higher-end drones fall around $1K-$2K. For novice flyers or those watching their budget, this can be off-putting. Luckily, there are lots of great budget options available. While they might not be as fancy and advanced as their more expensive counterparts, there are several options that are stable, easy to use, and offer a great user experience. Here are some of the best drones under $100 so you can take flight.

• Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera
• Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners
• Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids
• Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone
• Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

How we chose the best drones under $100

The writers and editors at Pop Photo have decades of experience in just about every genre of photography and photography-adjacent topics. When selecting the best drones for under $100, we wanted to make sure to find quality options that still had decent features and were easy to fly, despite the low price point. Stability in the air and battery life were important factors as well. Lastly, we tried to select drones that fit various use types and user preferences.

The best drones under $100: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With a variety of features, this budget drone has a bit of everything in a perfect mid-size model with a 1080p FPV camera and lots of easy-to-use in-app controls.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.6 x 4.70 inches
• Weight: 5.3 oz
• Recording Modes: 120° FOV 1080P

Pros:

• Excellent value
• Easy to use remote
• Great for beginners
• 1080p video capabilities

Cons:

• Not wind-proof
• Phone app asks multiple permissions; may be too intrusive for some users

The Holy Stone is the holy grail when it comes to the best drones under $100. It features a pre-set button that allows for flips in any direction and a landing feature that assists novice flyers, so you don’t crash your new toy.

It also has a 1080P FOV 120° HD FPV camera with altitude hold for great images, tons of mobile control features in the app like voice control and gravity sensor control, and multiple speeds. And it comes with two batteries for a total of 20 minutes of flight time.

The app is easy to use, and the mid-size body makes for a perfect user experience. However, some customers didn’t like how seemingly invasive the app can be; it may be too intrusive for some.

Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This lightweight and easy-to-use drone is ideal for beginners because it’s simple, stable, lightweight, and controlled via an app. 

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 3.86 x 3.66 x 1.61 inches
• Weight: 2.82 oz
• Video Output Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to maneuver
• Stable
• Takes good 5 MP photos and videos

Cons:

• Not great for dark/nighttime use
• Not suitable for windy conditions
• Limited to 99 ft altitude

With intuitive controls and an easy-to-use app, this drone for beginners is super simple to use while learning how to fly properly.

The high-capacity battery offers 13 minutes of flight time, which is excellent at this ultra-low price point. In addition, you can record 5 MP pictures and videos with EZ Shots and easily share them on social media from your smartphone. This drone is also fully programmable with Scratch, an MIT-developed coding system that teaches kids how to program.

At under 3 oz, it’s super lightweight, which is a double-edged sword. It won’t be suitable for windy conditions, and we don’t recommend using the drone in low light conditions or at nighttime. All in all, it’s a great starter drone that doesn’t offer a ton of frills but will help take good bird’s eye photos and videos and get you started with drone flight control. 

Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Get your kids in on the drone fun with this remote-controlled quadcopter with several LED light-up features, quick and easy pairing with the included remote, and 3D flips that make flying cool.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 5 x 6.22 x 1.65 inches
• Weight: 12 oz
• Flight time: 16-18 min

Pros:

• Automatic pairing
• Easy to control
• One key controls
• Colorful LED lights for fun night flying
• Safety guards

Cons:

• No camera

This simple drone for kids is all about the coolness factor while still teaching your kids how to fly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a camera, so it’s more suitable as a gift for little ones looking to dip their tiny toes into the world of drones.

Since accidents happen, it’s helpful that outside safety guards protect the propellers. In short: this thing is hard to break. The remote is kid-sized for small hands, and you won’t have to rely on an app for use. It’s stable, easy to control, and comes with four LED lights with seven color effects on the motors, making for cool lighting effects. These lights are also great for night use. 

The “push to flip” feature creates fun drone flips in the air, an exciting thing for kids and adults alike. The drones can last for up to 18 minutes of flight time with 360° rotation and feature one-key landing/taking-off with three different speed adjustments to make learning to fly super accessible for any age. 

Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This WiFi-enabled, foldable, palm-sized FPV drone features a 720P HD Camera, Altitude Hold, up to 12 minutes of use, and live video that stays steady without needing any assistance. 

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 6.39 x 4.59 x 3.76 inches
• Weight: 12 oz
• Video Output Resolution: 1280 x 720 Pixels

Pros:

• 720P HD Camera
• Compact and foldable
• 3D flips
• Variety of pre-programmable options
• App is clear and syncs well

Cons:

• Phone holder may not be suitable for all phones
• Could have longer battery life

A great starter drone or toy for more seasoned flyers, this mini drone fits in the palm of your hand and weighs next to nothing. The controls are extremely easy to use, no matter your experience. In addition, it has several pre-set controls, such as one-button landing, that make flying a breeze.

It can be controlled via mobile phone or remote control and includes a Headless Mode, so you never get disoriented. This mini drone also features a built-in 720P high definition FPV Wifi Camera, which takes quality aerial photos. The foldable design means it is compact and space-saving while stored, yet sizable enough for stability while in flight. The battery lasts up to 12 minutes, which isn’t long but is impressive for its size.

Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Take incredible aerial videos with this 1080p HD video drone that’s tiny, easy to take on the go, and offers a whopping 40 minutes of flight time.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 9.29 x 8.31 x 2.83 inches
• Weight: 1.48 pounds
• Video Output Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels

Pros:

• Up to 40 minutes of flight time
• Foldable and compact
• Protective guards
• Dual cameras / Optical flow positioning
• App supports Apple & Android

Cons:

• Included instructions are confusing
• “Follow me” function is sometimes wonky 

This HD FPV video drone with altitude hold has a little bit of everything for a budget model. It features a switchable front camera and bottom optical flow camera so you can have live images looking straightforward and simultaneously a good shot of what’s happening below. The two camera angles help capture a whole scene from different angles.

You get tons of features, including auto-hover, one-key take-off and landing, one-key flip and roll, “follow me,” and more. It’s super simple and easy to use, making it a good option for beginners and kids.

The best part? You get up to 40 minutes of flight time, which is one of the longest we’ve seen at this price point. It’s also so compact that you can easily take it in a backpack for hikes.

Things to consider before buying the best drones under $100

We’ll give it to you straight: for under $100, you can get a quality, easy-to-use drone, but don’t expect frilly features and tons of bells and whistles. Before you buy a drone, just be sure to look out for a few key features, such as the ones below. 

Video capability

Do you intend to use the drone for photography or video? Since several options under $100 include video, you might as well look for drones with that feature and practice taking photos and videos on a model you won’t be as worried about damaging.

RFT

RTF stands for Ready to Fly. That means the model comes ready to go and doesn’t require any more tools, hardware, or setup. There are lots of RTF drones under $100.

Battery charge time to flight time ratio

Look for drones that offer longer flight times with reasonable battery charge times, so you can fly often and for more extended periods without having to wait hours for just 5 minutes of flying. Many cheaper drones have shorter flight times, so one way to combat this issue is to purchase a few extra batteries.

Stability

Look for features that keep your drone stable. Since most cheap drones are made with lightweight plastic, they might not be as good at remaining stable in windier conditions. Look for language like “Altitude Hold” in the description, which means it analyzes and works with the air pressure to hold its position in flight.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best drones under $100

• Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera
• Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners
• Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids
• Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone
• Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

Budget drones make quadcopter flying more accessible to novice flyers, kids, or anyone who just wants to dip their toes into the world of drones. If you’re looking for fun aerial picture taking and want to learn how to use drones without shelling out hundreds of dollars, these drones under $100 will give you a high-quality experience at a great price point.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best drones under $100 in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Kodak Luma 150 Pocket Projector		SEE IT	A palm-sized projector at a good price.
Best for movies		Epson Home Cinema 2200 3-chip 3LCD 1080p Projector		SEE IT	A bright option with great color accuracy.
Best for iPhones		TOPVISION WiFi Projector		SEE IT	A powerful LED projector with WiFi connectivity.

Projectors have come a long way since their use for educational slides in 1950s classrooms. Today, projectors are widely used as an alternative to traditional TV screens: home theaters, outdoor theaters, and even portable, travel-friendly ways for families to watch movies on vacation. Video projectors can come at a high price tag, with some models reaching the multi-thousand dollar mark. However, with so many high-quality yet affordable options to choose from, there’s no need to spend top dollar on a video projector. You can even get some of the best 4K projectors for under $1,000. We’ve researched the best budget projectors that are high-quality, easy to use, and deliver crisp, bright images so you can watch all your favorite content without hurting your wallet.

• Best overall: Kodak Luma 150 Pocket Projector 
• Best for movies: Epson Home Cinema 2200 3-chip 3LCD 1080p Projector
• Best for outdoors: VANKYO Miracle 120 Mini Projector for Outdoor Movies
• Best mini: Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector
• Best for iPhones: TOPVISION WiFi Projector

How we picked the best budget projectors

We considered a few main factors when selecting the best budget projectors to include in our list. First, we wanted only to choose affordable projectors. Therefore, we mainly picked projectors under $500, with the exception being the Epson Home Cinema 2200.

Next, we wanted to ensure seamless connectivity with your iPhones, laptops, or other devices. So we reviewed the direct-wire connection or Bluetooth and wireless options and looked for any red flags in the reviews. 

Finally, we looked for great resolution, brightness, and clarity in the projector’s picture with a user-friendly controller experience simple enough for anyone to use.

The best budget projectors: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Kodak Luma 150 Pocket Projector

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This portable, budget LED projector has nearly 1,500 positive Amazon reviews and offers tons of versatility at a super affordable price.

Specs:

• Brightness: 60 Ansi lumen (or 1,000 light source lumen)
• Resolution: 854 x 480 pixels
• Dimensions: ‎3.1 x 3.1 x 0.87 inches
• Hardware Interface: Bluetooth, USB, HDMI

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Near-universal device compatibility
• Super lightweight and portable 
• Fully wireless

Cons:

• Modest resolution
• Limited play time

The Kodak Luma 150 Portable Projector offers a super bright LED lamp with 16.7 million display colors. The built-in speakers are crisp, loud, and don’t require any plug-ins. You can use a MicroSD card slot, USB cable, HDMI cable, or integrated Airplay and Miracast screencasting for super versatile viewing options, making this budget projector a breeze to use for a family.

It comes with DLP technology, easy-to-use touch controls, and up to 120-inch screen viewing. Native 1080p videos will play in full HD, provided you have a strong connection between all devices. But, 720p/lower-quality videos will not upscale. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 2.5 hours, so it’s unsuitable for binge-watching.

Best for movies: Epson Home Cinema 2200 3-chip 3LCD 1080p Projector

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Why it made the cut: Our most expensive pick that still clocks in at under $1,000. The 1080p Epson Home Cinema with HDMI port has the most bang for your buck with tons of specialized features, including expert clarity and four modes of excellent color accuracy. 

Specs: 

• Brightness: 2700 Lumen
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.2 x 4.8 inches
• Hardware Interface: HDMI

Pros:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Great picture quality
• High contrast ratio
• 10 memory saves

Cons:

• Isn’t compatible with 4K or HDR input
• Built-in speakers could be better

This easy-to-use home theater comes with a built-in 10 W speaker, premium picture quality, and advanced 3LCD technology for 100% of the RGB color signal in each frame. It’s an excellent projector for streaming TV shows, sporting events, and movies, even for image snobs. In addition, the Image Enhancement and Frame Interpolation features offer super crisp images.

The Epson 2200 comes with ten memory saves if you want to fine-tune settings for different ambient light environments or particular types of content. It also comes with two remotes: one for simple projection use and the other for built-in Android TV.

In order to use the Android TV, you’ll need WiFi with a connection of 5 Mbps or faster. Unfortunately, the speakers in most projectors aren’t extremely high-quality, which is true of this Epson projector. As a result, you may want to also invest in some stand-alone speakers to connect your projector to, and you’ll have the total package for a reasonable price.

Best outdoor projector: VANKYO Miracle 120 Mini Projector for Outdoor Movies

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Why it made the cut: Conveniently designed with an included storage bag, take this lightweight and portable projector on the go for outdoor movie nights. It lasts up to 50,000 hours and has multiple ports for versatile and easy use.

Specs:

• Brightness: 63 Lumens
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
• Dimensions:  8.1 x 6.4 x 4.1 inches
• Hardware Interface: HDMI, USB, AV

Pros:

• Super affordable
• Cute, kid-friendly design
• Lightweight and portable
• 50,000 hours of lamp life

Cons:

• Design is too childish for some
• Not much control over individual features

At under 2 pounds, this mini projector is powerful enough for up to 50,000 hours of lamp life. It can project an image sized at 42-300 inches from a distance of 4.9ft-34.2ft. It also has quality built-in speakers for a clear, loud sound. And, the picture quality is impressive for such a low-budget projector, in part thanks to the 4000:1 contrast ratio.

1080p resolution brings you a 60%+ brighter image with HDMI, USB, Micro SD card, audio, and AV interface capabilities. You can easily connect it to your daily TV Stick, PS4, Chromecast, PC, laptop, TF card, and more. With the adorable pink design and super low price point, this is one of the best budget projector gifts for children and families!

Best mini projector: Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Bright, tiny, and portable, this mini projector is one of the best on the market for vacations and on-the-go use. It’s got 200 ANSI lumen brightness and a full-size HD image display that you’d never expect from this compact vessel.

Specs:

• Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumen
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
• Dimensions: 8.86 x 5.12 x 4.49 inches
• Hardware Interface: USB, HDMI

Pros:

• Good brightness
• Loud speaker
• Three hour battery life
• Super portable and compact

Cons:

• More expensive than other budget options
• Not compatible with Netflix or Amazon Prime without workarounds

If portability and small size are what you need, you can’t do better than this Nebula Capsule Mini Projector. It’s one of, if not the smallest, projectors capable of 720p HD, with a full-sized image display and powerful speakers. The Nebula Capsule is an Amazon product favorite for travelers who want to be able to bring a tiny movie theater on the go.

It works best for Android TV users, Google Play Store, Chromecast, and Google Assistant. Unfortunately, Netflix and Amazon Prime aren’t natively supported, though there are workarounds. It is a bit pricier than other models, but you are paying for the combination of compact size with big power. 

Best iPhone projector: TOPVISION WiFi Projector

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Why it made the cut: This LED WiFi-controlled iPhone projector offers 4.9 ft of throw distance, 80,000 hours of lamp life, and includes temperature control technology.

Specs:

• Brightness: 5,500 Lumen
• Resolution: 1280 x 720, 1080p supported
• Dimensions: 7.36 x 5.87 x 3.07 inches
• Hardware Interface: VGA, USB, HDMI

Pros:

• Great price point
• 80,000 hours of lamp life
• Equipped with various ports
• iOS and Android-compatible 
• Outdoor or indoor use

Cons:

• Not compatible with Dolby sound

Small enough for easy portable use, you can control this iPhone and Android-compatible projector with a simple WiFi connection. It’s also equipped with various ports (VGA / USB / HDMI / AV / SD / audio output), making hookups to computers, monitors, televisions, PS4, DVD players, and other equipment a breeze.

The brightness is about 5,500 Lumens, meaning you can easily watch this in brighter environments. The built-in, 3W, HiFi SRS stereo speakers make it easy to hear when you bring it along for outdoor movie nights. It also has dual-fan cooling to prevent overheating, but that won’t run so loud they overpower the speaker. Unfortunately, this budget projector does support Dolby sound, meaning if you’re watching Netflix, for example, you may have to downgrade the sound in the app’s settings.

What to look for in the best budget projectors

Brightness

Choosing a projector with good brightness is essential because if it isn’t bright enough, the image will look soft and dull. Projector manufacturers calculate brightness in Lumens or ANSI Lumens. Lumens and ANSI Lumens are similar in that they both measure light output. But, ANSI Lumens measurements are considered more accurate as they require more specific measurement conditions. ANSI Lumens also measures the brightness of light projected onto a surface, as opposed to Lumens, which measures the brightness of the light itself.

Generally speaking, the more Lumens, the better, though that comes at a price. And if you want to use a projector in conditions that aren’t totally dark, you’ll want higher Lumens as well, or other light sources may wash out the image. Remember that the size of your room and the distance the projector will have to reach your wall also play significant roles in this process. A projector with around 1,000 ANSI Lumens will be enough for most situations.

Resolution

Resolution essentially refers to the clarity of the image that you will get from a projector. It tells you the pixel dimensions of a screen, or in this case, the projected image. Just like brightness, you will want the highest resolution for maximum quality. But high-resolution projectors can be costly, and it could be overkill for some types of content and use-cases. 1920X1080, otherwise known as full HD, is plenty for most home theatre situations.

Contrast ratio

Contrast refers to the ratio between the brightest white and the darkest black. A higher contrast ratio will provide a richer video image. The contrast ratio also compliments brightness, as a high number of Lumens won’t mean much if you have a low contrast ratio. Go for at least 1,500:1 for your contrast ratio.

Light source

There are three main light source options: lamp, LED, or laser. 

Video projectors that use lamps need changing after about 3,000 to 4,000 hours of viewing. They also get super hot and, as a result, require a built-in fan or cooling mechanism. While lamps are considered the oldest and most outdated models, they are usually much cheaper than LED or laser models. So if you don’t plan on using it very often (1-2 hours a day), this is a good money-saving option.

LED and lasers are the newest projector models. They don’t require start-up time; just press the power on button, and they’re ready to go. They can also last anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 hours.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best budget projectors

With so many quality budget projectors to choose from, do yourself (and your bank account) a favor and skip the super-expensive models with one of the best budget projectors on the market. You can still get incredible, crisp imaging and loud audio, easy-to-use controls, and a long power life with the projectors on our list, all under $1,000.

We found the Kodak Lumina to be the best all-around budget projector based on various factors. While portability isn’t always a necessity, having the option is nice, and the size of this projector makes it easy to bring over to a friend’s house for a backyard movie night. The LED light makes it longer-lasting, and it has excellent picture quality for the size and price.

The post The best budget projectors in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best glue stick		Elmer's-E5010 Extra Strength Glue Sticks		SEE IT
Best acid-free		Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive, Acid-Free		SEE IT
Best glue pen		Aleene's Pen 2-Pack Tacky Glue		SEE IT

The best glues for scrapbooking keep your images and decorations firmly in place without degrading them over time. You might initially think it’s one-size-fits-all when it comes to adhesives, but scrapbooking enthusiasts will quickly tell you that getting the right adhesive is essential. In order to make scrapbooks that will last, you’ll need high quality glues that resist wear, don’t flake, and won’t stain or seep through your photos.

It’s all about identifying the materials you’ll be using and pairing them with the right adhesives. To help you on your scrapbooking journey, we’ve broken down this list of the best glues for scrapbooking for any type of crafter.

• Best glue stick: Elmer’s-E5010 Extra Strength Glue Sticks
• Best acid-free: Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive, Acid-Free
• Best glue pen: Aleene’s Pen 2-Pack Tacky Glue
• Best liquid: Tombow MONO Aqua Liquid Glue
• Best removable: Glue Dots Removable 3/16″ Square 450pc Dispenser Glue

How we picked the best glues for scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a creative pursuit and that means materials are a very individual choice. For this list of the best glues for scrapbooking, we started with a wide search across the scrapbooking community for the most trusted and well-regarded products. We relied on a mixture of editorial reviews, user feedback, and feature lists. Luckily, these glues are relatively inexpensive, but we recommend trying them for the first time with pictures and scrapbooking materials that you’re not particularly attached to. Not only will it give you a feel for how it sticks to the substrates, but you can also get an idea of how fast the glue dispenses and other experiential variables. 

The best glues for scrapbooking: Reviews & Recommendations

Best glue stick: Elmer’s-E5010 Extra Strength Glue Sticks

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Why it made the cut: With over 4,000 positive Amazon reviews, this acid-free, non-toxic, and photo-safe glue stick is great for paper and boards. It’s also washable and easy to use. 

Key Features:

• Volume: 1 Oz
• Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
• Package Material: Plastic

Pros:

• Budget friendly 4 pack
• Extra strength hold
• Colorless application
• Easy to use
• Great brand reputation 

Cons:

• Not ideal for complicated projects

Elmer’s has a long history as a reputable brand for glues and adhesives. This four pack of glue sticks are photo-safe and acic-free, and easy to use for no-mess bonding during scrapbooking. Elmer’s Extra Strength Glue Sticks not only provide smooth sticking, but it also dries two times faster than Elmer’s regular Glue Sticks.

It works for a variety of paper types including cardboard, foam board, display board, and computer paper, so you can get creative with what you want to include in your scrapbook.

It features a snap shut lid, twist end to supply more glue, and colorless application. The main complaint was that it wasn’t strong enough for more complicated projects, but for scrapbooking, this has plenty of hold. 

Best acid-free: Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive, Acid-Free

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Why it made the cut: Acid-free and photo safe, this PVA formula provides secure attaching that won’t wear or cause it to become brittle over time. 

Key Features:

• Volume: 4 oz
• Product Dimensions: 3.81″ L x 3.81″ W x 16.0″ H
• Acid-free: Yes

Pros:

• Acid-free
• Photo-safe
• Great for binding
• Best for paper products

Cons:

• Thick formula
• Can be difficult to get out of the nozzle

With a quick setting time and remoistening capabilities, this acid-free, photo-safe formula works for prints, photos, postcards and other paper items for your scrapbooking needs. The acid-free formula keeps your photos safe from warping, chipping, and becoming brittle over time, so you won’t have to worry about ruining your precious memories.

Many people use this glue for repairing old books, but you can use it for any paper items or cut outs. It’s pricier than some of the other options, but for 4 oz and the professional-grade quality, we think it’s worth the money. It can also run a little thick, making it hard to get out of the nozzle. Shake or stir well to thin it out.

Best glue pen: Aleene’s Pen 2-Pack Tacky Glue

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Why it made the cut: With over 10,000 Amazon ratings, this all-purpose formula, 2-pack glue pen is super handy for tiny crevices, corners, and other difficult to place areas of your scrapbook.

Key Features:

• Volume: 0.63 fl oz (each)
• Product Dimensions: 3 x 0.88 x 7.75 inches
• Package Material: Plastic

Pros:

• Inexpensive 2 pack
• Customizable nozzle
• Non-toxic, kid-friendly
• Works on most materials

Cons:

• Not great for felt

With an all-purpose formula that works on paper, wood, felt, foam, and ceramics, this handy glue pen is great for those hard to reach places, corners, tiny attachments, strings, and more. It’s ultra-tacky, non-toxic, and kid-friendly. 

We love that you can customize the tip of the nozzle depending on your creative needs using a pair of scissors. The handy pen design means you can easily take it with you on-the-go.

Customers say they love that it’s easy to use and works on most items. The main complaint is that it’s a bit thick, and didn’t work as well on felt as other materials.

Best liquid: Tombow MONO Aqua Liquid Glue

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Why it made the cut: With over 100 years experience in this category, Tombow liquid glue has dual sided tips and high quality ingredients for long lasting adhesion.

Key Features:

• Volume: 1.69 oz
• Product Dimensions: ‎1.11 x 3.34 x 7.4 inches
• Acid-Free: Yes

Pros:

• Acid-free/Photo-safe
• Dual tips
• Washable
• Dries clear

Cons:

• Too much can come out easily with light squeezing

Tombow has a great brand reputation with over 100 years experience. With dual broad and pen tips, this acid-free and photo safe liquid glue is washable and easy to use. Great for mixed media projects and scrapbooking, the broad tip is ideal for quickly covering a larger surface area or for materials that need more hold. The pen side creates cool lettering or thin designs. Just add glitter or coloring to the glue and make awesome fine or chunky designs. 

It dries with a clear matte finish, but just be careful – it can come out easily with minimal pressure. 

Best removable: Glue Dots Removable 3/16″ Square 450pc Dispenser Glue

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Why it made the cut: Don’t get too attached with this 450 piece supply of acid-free, non-toxic, and photo safe removable glue dots.

Key Features:

• Size: 3/16″ (5 mm) each
• Acid-free: Yes
• Quantity: 450 pieces

Pros:

• 450 piece pack 
• Acid free and non-toxic
• Kid friendly and photo safe
• Removable/temporary
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Less strong hold
• Not great for strings or thin pieces 

If you like to experiment with designs without having to destroy expensive materials, this may be the solution you’re looking for. At 3/16″ (5 mm) each, these little dots are the perfect removable adhesive when you want some flexibility with your scrapbooking. 

This pack comes with 450 pieces of non-toxic, kid-friendly, acid-free, and photo-safe glue dots. They come out of an easy to use dispenser, making them a breeze to work with and very practical! 

The only downside is that because they’re removable or “temporary,” they’re not going to give you as strong of a hold. That’s sort of the name of the game though when you’re after a removable product. Because they’re round dots, they’re also not ideal for thin pieces, strings, or anything fine enough to show the dot underneath.

Things to consider when shopping for the best glues for scrapbooking

Type

The type of glue you’ll use depends on what you’re adhering together. You’ll also have to consider whether it’s age-appropriate and comfortable for the individual to use. There are several types of scrapbooking glues, including:

• Liquid/Craft Glue for attaching paper, card sheets, magazine photos. 
• Wood glue for wooden objects like frames, wooden sticks, etc. 
• Fabric for attaching fabrics.
• Stick for paper. 
• Pen for tiny objects, narrow corners, or small crevices. 
• Dots for most objects, can also be used as a design motif. They’re great if you want to change out items more frequently because they are more of a temporary hold.
• Hot glue gun for most things except metal. 

Photo safety 

Typically, photo safe glue means acid-free. Acid can wear down your materials, making them brittle or warped and eventually fall apart. Look for “acid-free” or “photo-safe” in the description when purchasing your supplies.

Non-toxic

Make sure the ingredients are safe and non-toxic to keep you and children safe.

FAQs

Final thoughts regarding the best glues for scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is such a fun way to show off your creativity, preserve memories, and provide sentimental and heartfelt gifts for your loved ones. Be sure ot get the right supplies to keep your scrapbooks safe and long-lasting with these photo-safe glues! 

Related: Best digital picture frames

The post The best glues for scrapbooking in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.